We are seeing reality of what our hometown is today. Reminiscences fill the
heart as we look around. But things we used to have aren't there anymore.
Settings deeply hewed with wonderful memories are now marred with scars
from neglect and recklessness. Not only in appearance our beloved town
changes, but also in people's attitude. The virtuous innocence of a caring
community we once left did turn into a boisterous and arrogant city, where
the unrighteous prosper and the weak trembles.
There is sadness and sense of ire as we gaze further beyond city poblacion.
The abuse and plunder to disfigure Mayapay from its grandeur is beyond
rationale. The military reservation status didn't deter the greed on those
who took advantage. Mayapay is no longer a symbol of Butuan's pride and
vigor, but a mammoth gravestone to portray perversion perpetrated openly
from delinquency and negligence of past stewardship.
There's not a Butuanon from our time that doesn't have fond recollection
of our old Guingona Park. It was a part of our existence. It was the heart
of the city where friends met friends. We used to spend time quietly and
amiably with respectable company. It was a tranquil place to come together
after school and after work. It was an ideal spot for acquaintances to
hang around.
We no longer see the water fountain and the tall banga palm trees. The
little birds too disappeared. The laughter and giggling of playful
children vanished into silence. There was a time in the park when people
stood up and bow their head in prayer when the church bell rang to mark
in reverence the passing of a day. Yes, those were the times. These
things of value dwells only in our recollection today. It's
gone. It's a pity.
Go to the mountains and ponder where the big trees have gone. It's
sad to say that fortune hunters chopped them down. What they left us
are ruins from such unimaginable thoughtlessness. The biggest culprit
to this crime were not really those with axes and chainsaws, but on
people with sworn authority to manage effectively our rain forest. It
was utterly criminal to have allowed our woodland to be wantonly
ravaged. Their indifference to duties caused the destruction we are
seeing now.
By the mouth of the big river was a swamp where a verdant mangrove
forest existed. This magnificent place came into existence through
centuries of evolution. This was also obliterated to give way to series
of fishponds. It was either shortsightedness or blatant imbecility that
this onslaught was tolerated. There was an acute failure to seek
compatible compromise between industry and environment.
We can cite a litany of instances where our fathers deemed to have
erred in judgement. However, it is only through obvious consequences
from past deeds that our verdict is rendered. It is true that the
fruit determines the tree. But objectivity also dictates to assume
that they must have reasons to have done it.
Therefore we grant them the benefit of the doubt that these faults
were due to condition of their time. We should understand them and
even forgive. Besides, crying over spilled milk gives no resolve. It's
wise to put it as water under the bridge.
There is little we can do with past mistake. Nature couldn't even
heal it back. The damage was done. No one ever put Humpty Dumpty
together again. But a flower grown on a mud pile has its own distinct
beauty too. It's possible that from the ashes of yesterday's oversight
may rise a different kind of beauty. It may not be what it was but
beauty just the same.
We shall therefore nourish our interest to fashion into being suitable
alternatives. The challenge is great and the reward is blissful. The
prevailing eagerness and awakening of learned Butuanons everywhere
gives radiant hope to restore the glory and pride our beloved city
long deserves.
There are talks to re-green Mayapay. In the same token to expand our only
city park and to convert the present police headquarters building into a
museum. Renewed effort to repatriate the Golden Tara is underway.
Suggestions are abundantly aired from Butuanons all over on how to
improve our city. This is a healthy indicator towards advancement.
Butuan Global Foundation may formalize its existence in few days. This
group is composed of high-powered Butuanons in various disciplines
both national and international. Although their purpose is not yet
fully defined, expectation is already eminent that they'll employ
their resources on initiatives with intent to profit our hometown.
This group will undoubtedly carve its mark on accomplishment. However,
charitable and civic organizations already operating on the ground
may wonder about their presence in the neighborhood. All these groups
have good intention but too many cooks spoil the food, as the saying
goes. Uncoordinated efforts sometimes bring inadvertent provocation
amongst people whose undertaking is for the betterment of all.
This month's homecoming is unique. Butuanons that are doing well
somewhere are in town. Some are chosen to deserve honor for being
successful and for contribution to society. They convey prestige and
fame to our city from around the world. It's only fitting to grant
them the song of praise with optimism that their kind multiplies abundantly.
Butuan gave us life and light, yet we traveled out far. We left her
because she can not afford our price. We were too busy searching for
merits and prominence in other land that we kind of set her aside.
Today, she needs love and care from her children. Maybe things could
have been different had we stood by her side and perhaps the
sins of our father may not be as hurting the way they are.
Welcome home.
